How much does concrete coating cost?
How much does concrete coating cost?
$4 – $12 cost per square foot
$1,600 – $6,900 average total cost (400 – 576 square feet)
Concrete coating cost per square foot
Concrete coating costs $4 to $12 per square foot on average with installation or $1,600 to $6,900 total for a 2-car garage floor. The total cost depends on the project size and type of coating. Epoxy coatings are slightly cheaper than polyurea and polyaspartic but aren't as durable.
| Garage or size (feet) | Size (square feet) | Average total cost |
|---|---|---|
| 12x24 (1-car) | 288 | $1,200 – $3,500 |
| 20x20 (2-car) | 400 | $1,600 – $4,800 |
| 24x24 (2-car) | 576 | $2,300 – $6,900 |
| 24x36 (3-car) | 864 | $3,500 – $10,400 |
| 50' diameter circular | 1,650 | $6,600 – $19,800 |
You can use concrete coatings on a driveway, basement, or mudroom floor, but the most common application is for garage floors.
Concrete coatings cost by type
Epoxy is a popular choice for coating concrete surfaces, but it's not as strong as polyurea or polyaspartic coatings and takes longer to cure. Epoxy coatings are more DIY-friendly but are more prone to cracking and UV damage.
| Coating type | Average total cost (per square foot) |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Epoxy | $4 – $10 |
|
| Polyurea | $5 – $10 |
|
| Polyaspartic | $5 – $12 |
|
Epoxy
Epoxy floor coatings cost $4 to $10 per square foot with installation or $1 to $5 per square foot for materials alone. Water-based epoxy is the least expensive type but is far less durable than solvent or solid epoxy coatings.
Polyurea
Polyurea garage floor coatings cost $5 to $10 per square foot with installation or $2 to $4 per square foot for materials. Polyurea's fast drying times, UV resistance, and durability make it a great choice for high-traffic areas and walkways.
Polyaspartic
Polyaspartic floor coatings cost $5 to $12 per square foot installed or $2 to $6 per square foot for materials alone. This type of coating is similar to polyurea but costs slightly more because it's easier to work with and adheres better to the surface of the concrete.
Concrete coating price factors
The cost of coating a concrete driveway or garage floor depends mostly on the size, the type of coating, and local labor rates.
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $1 – $6 |
| Labor | $3 – $6 |
| Total cost | $4 – $12 per square foot |
The following factors can also affect the total cost:
Contractor fees: Some contractors have a minimum charge, so you may end up paying the minimum price even if you have a small floor. In that case, you may want to coat a pathway or patio to save money.
Testing: Moisture testing costs about $50 to $300 but makes sure your concrete is a good candidate for coating and can prevent moisture damage long-term.
Location: If you live in a location with extreme cold or heat, ask your contractor which coating would be best for you.
Floor condition: If the floor has cracks, holes, or debris, you'll need to or repair or clean it first.
Driveway repair costs $100 to $400 for small cracks and holes.
Concrete resurfacing costs $3 to $7 per square foot.
Professional power washing costs $100 to $260 for a driveway.
Accessibility: Flat driveways or floors are easier to coat than ones with steep slopes or hard-to-reach areas. Irregularly shaped spaces may cost more as well.
Labor
The labor cost for coating concrete is $3 to $6 per square foot, depending on the floor's condition and the complexity of the project. Cleaning, repairing, resurfacing, or patching the concrete before coating it will raise the overall price.
Concrete coating vs. sealing
Concrete sealing costs $1 to $3 per square foot installed or $575 to $1,700 for a 2-car driveway. This service is cheaper than concrete coating because sealants use a very thin layer that only protects the floor from water or stains.
Concrete coatings, on the other hand, are thicker and can tolerate more foot traffic or activity without scratching or wearing down. Some other alternatives to coating include:
Paint: The cost to paint a garage floor is $2 to $4 per square foot. Paint only lasts 1 to 5 years compared to other coatings, but it's more affordable.
Stain: Staining concrete floors costs $3 to $15 per square foot, depending on the design or pattern. Staining concrete can enhance the appearance but is high maintenance as it requires a sealant every 1 to 3 years.
Concrete coating FAQs
What is concrete coating?
Concrete coating is a liquid material applied to a concrete floor that protects it from damage and extends its lifespan. You can also use concrete coatings for aesthetics by adding color, texture, and even glitter.
Can I skim coat concrete by myself?
You can skim coat concrete yourself if you have the right experience and tools, like a squeegee and trowel. However, concrete coatings are notoriously hard to work with. Unless you're confident in your skills, you should hire a professional to make sure it's done right.
Are concrete coatings worth it?
Concrete coatings are worth it for many homeowners because they're more durable than staining, painting, or sealing. Coatings can last for many years without having to reapply or reseal your floor. They can also enhance safety because many are slip-resistant.
Getting estimates from concrete coating companies
Before choosing a garage floor coating company near you, follow these steps:
Get 3 or more estimates from licensed, bonded, insured companies.
Read reviews from other homeowners on HomeGuide and Google.
Avoid extremely low quotes, which indicate low-quality work.
Get a written contract and warranty before the coating process starts.
Questions to ask concrete coating professionals
Ask the right questions to ensure you choose an experienced contractor:
Are you licensed and insured?
How long have you been coating concrete floors?
Do you have a portfolio of pictures I can see?
How will you prepare the floor before applying the coating?
Can you repair any cracks or damage, or would I need to hire someone else?
How long with the project take?
What's the best coating for this climate?
What material do you normally use?
How long will this type of coating last?
How long will it be before I can drive or walk on it?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.